DEVICE FOR SHEILDING TEETH TO BE TREATED

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for shielding teeth to be treated in order to prevent an inflow of liquid, such as saliva or blood for example, and to a use of the device according to the invention. The invention relates to a partial dental dam (1) for protecting teeth to be treated, comprising a tensioning cloth (2) made of an elastic material and two actuation elements (3) arranged on opposing ends of the tensioning cloth (2). The tensioning cloth (2) is designed to be introduced into at least one intermediate tooth space (11) from the occlusal side in a first tensioned state, which can be achieved by pulling apart the actuation elements (3) in a tensioning direction (90), and to sealingly rest against the interdental gingiva and the approximal surfaces of the teeth (10) forming the at least one intermediate tooth space (11) in a second state after being introduced into the at least one intermediate tooth space (11). Each actuation element (3) rests against at least one tooth (10) and/or against the surrounding gingiva in the second state. The invention further relates to the use of the partial dental dam according to the invention. The tensioning cloth (2) is elongated by pulling the actuation elements (3) in the tensioning direction (90); the tensioning cloth (2) is introduced into at least one intermediate tooth space (11) from the occlusal side in the elongated state; and the tensioning cloth (2) is brought to rest against the interdental gingiva and the approximal surfaces of the teeth (10) forming the at least one intermediate tooth space (11) by releasing the tensioning force. Each of the actuation elements (3) rests against at least one tooth (10) and/or against the surrounding gingiva.

Claims

1. A partial dental dam (1) for shielding teeth to be treated, comprising a tensioning cloth (2) made of elastic material and two actuation elements (3) arranged on opposite ends of the tensioning cloth (2), wherein the tensioning cloth (2) is designed to be introduced into at least one interdental space (11) from the occlusal side in a first tensioned state, which can be achieved by pulling the actuation elements (3) apart in a tensioning direction (90), and to bear sealingly on the interdental gingiva and the approximal surfaces of the teeth (10) forming the at least one interdental space (11) in a second state after introduction into at least one interdental space (11), wherein the actuation elements (3) each bear on at least one tooth (10) and/or on the surrounding gingiva in the second state.

2. The partial dental dam as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the tensioning cloth (2) has an elasticity of 1 to 4, preferably of 2 to 3, with an almost complete restoring capacity.

3. The partial dental dam as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tensioning cloth (2) has a tear strength of greater than 5 N/mm.sup.2 as per DIN 53504:2009-10.

4. The partial dental dam as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tensioning cloth (2) has a number of webs (4) corresponding to the number of intermediate spaces (11) to be sealed off, which webs (4) extend between the actuation elements (3) and are each introduced from the occlusal side into an interdental space (11).

5. The partial dental dam as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the at least one web (4) is configured in the shape of a rounded double T.

6. The partial dental dam as claimed in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the at least one web (4), at its narrowest point, has a width of 2 mm to 8 mm, preferably of 3 mm to 7 mm, more preferably of 5 mm to 6 mm in the untensioned state, and/or the length of the tensioning cloth (2) is less than 10 mm, preferably 4 mm to 8 mm, more preferably 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm, more preferably 5.5 mm, in the untensioned state.

7. The partial dental dam as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thickness of the tensioning cloth (2) or of a web (4), in the untensioned state of the partial dental dam, is less than or equal to 1 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, more preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm.

8. The partial dental dam as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one strap (8) is provided between the two actuation elements (3), wherein the strap (8) extends in the plane of the at least one web (4) and is designed to be introduced into an interdental space (12) adjacent to an interdental space (11) into which the at least one web (4) is introduced.

9. The partial dental dam as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that two straps (8) are provided, wherein the at least one web (4) is arranged between the two straps (8).

10. The partial dental dam as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free space (7) resulting between two adjacent webs (4) or between a web (4) and a strap (8) is round, circular or oval, preferably elliptic.

11. The partial dental dam as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation elements (3) are U-shaped, wherein the open end of the actuation elements (3) points toward the tensioning cloth (2).

12. The partial dental dam as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the partial dental dam (1), in the untensioned state, has an arc-shaped or U-shaped cross section, such that the tensioning cloth (2), in the untensioned state, has a curvature perpendicular to the middle web (6) of the at least one web (4), and the two actuation elements (3) are arranged in mirror symmetry about a plane normal to the direction of the middle web (6) of the at least one web (4).

13. The partial dental dam as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the branches of the U-shaped actuation elements (3) protrude over the curved tensioning cloth (2), and the respective opposite branches of the U-shaped actuation elements (3) are connected to each other via elastically deformable auxiliary straps (9).

14. The partial dental dam as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation elements (3) are designed in one piece with the tensioning cloth (2), with the at least one strap (8) and/or the at least one auxiliary strap (9), wherein the actuation elements (3) preferably have a greater thickness than the tensioning cloth (2).

15. The use of the partial dental dam as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tensioning cloth (2) is elongated by pulling on the actuation elements (3) in the tensioning direction (90), the tensioning cloth (2) is introduced in the elongated state into at least one interdental space (11) from the occlusal side, and the tensioning cloth (2) is placed on the interdental gingiva and the approximal surfaces of the teeth (10) forming the at least one interdental space (11) by releasing the tensioning force, wherein the actuation elements (3) each bear on at least one tooth (10) and/or on the surrounding gingiva.

Description

[0029] The invention is now described by way of example on the basis of illustrative embodiments and by reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0030] FIG. 1 shows a first illustrative embodiment of a partial dental dam according to the invention;

[0031] FIGS. 2a-g show an example of a use of the partial dental dam from FIG. 1;

[0032] FIGS. 3a-3b show a second illustrative embodiment of a partial dental dam according to the invention;

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a third illustrative embodiment of a partial dental dam according to the invention;

[0034] FIGS. 5a-f show an example of a use of the partial dental dam from FIGS. 4; and

[0035] FIG. 6 shows a fourth illustrative embodiment of a partial dental dam according to the invention.

[0036] A first illustrative embodiment of a partial dental dam 1 according to the invention for shielding teeth to be treated is shown in FIG. 1. The partial dental dam 1 comprises a tensioning cloth 2 made of elastic material, and two actuation elements 3 which are integrally formed with the tensioning cloth 2 and are arranged on two opposite ends of the tensioning cloth 2.

[0037] The tensioning cloth 2 has a web 4 extending between the actuation elements 3, which web 4, as is explained below in connection with FIG. 2, is provided for introduction into an interdental space from the occlusal side. The web 4 is configured in the shape of a rounded double T, wherein the side areas 5 of the web 4 lying close to the actuation elements 3 are wider than the middle web 6 that connects these side areas 5. The transitions from the middle web 6 to the side areas 5 are rounded.

[0038] At its narrowest point, the web 4, in the untensioned state of the partial dental dam, has a width of 2.5 mm and a thickness of 0.5 mm. The length of the tensioning cloth in the state shown is 5.5 mm. The tensioning cloth has an elasticity of 3 with an almost complete restoring capacity, and a tear strength of greater than 5 N/mm.sup.2, wherein the tear strength was determined according to DIN 53504:2009-10 using an S3 test body.

[0039] The actuation elements 3 are U-shaped, wherein the open end of the actuation elements 3 points toward the tensioning cloth 2. By corresponding shaping of the actuation elements 3, good stability of the partial dental dam 1 is achieved in the use explained below in connection with FIG. 2.

[0040] The actuation elements 3 are formed in one piece with the tensioning cloth 2 and, consequently, are made from the same elastic material as the tensioning cloth 2. However, in order to ensure sufficient stiffness of the actuation elements 3, these have a greater thickness than the tensioning cloth 2 in parts, in particular in the area of the U-shaped formation specifically.

[0041] The use of the partial dental dam 1 according to Figure is now explained with reference to FIG. 2. The partial dental dam 1 is introduced here into an interdental space 11 between two teeth 10.

[0042] Proceeding from the starting state shown in FIG. 2a, the partial dental dam 1 is tensioned by pulling the actuation elements 3 apart in a tensioning direction 90, wherein in particular the tensioning cloth 2 is elongated. The resulting first state of the partial dental dam 1 is shown in FIG. 2b.

[0043] As a result of the elongation of the tensioning cloth 2, the cross section of the web 4 decreases in size, such that the web 4 can already in principle be introduced into the interdental space 11 from the occlusal side. Since the partial dental dam 1 has only a single web 4, the introduction of the web 4 into the interdental space 11 can be further facilitated if the partial dental dam is tilted through 90° (cf. FIG. 2c). In this way, the web 4 does not have to be introduced into the interdental space 11 with the side defining the width first, but instead with the side defining the thickness. Since the thickness in the starting state is already smaller than the width and, in addition, is further reduced by the elongation of the tensioning cloth 2, the introduction of the web 2 into the interdental space is further facilitated.

[0044] The partial dental dam 1 accordingly tilted through 90° (cf. FIG. 2c) is introduced into the interdental space 11 (cf. FIG. 2d). Thereafter, the partial dental dam 1 is again tilted through 90° (cf. FIG. 2e) before the tensioning force of the tensioning cloth 2 is released, such that the actuation elements 3 bear on the teeth 10 (cf. FIG. 2f). By release of the tensioning force, the deformation of the tensioning cloth 2 reverses, and it again approximates to its original shape (cf. FIG. 2a). A tight bearing of the tensioning cloth 2 on the interdental gingiva and on the approximal faces of the teeth 10 is thus achieved. The desired shielding, for preventing the inflow of liquid, for example saliva or blood, is thus ensured.

[0045] Finally, the actuation elements 3 are pivoted in such a way that, in addition to bearing on the teeth 10, they additionally bear on the surrounding gingiva (cf. FIG. 2g). Good stabilization of the partial dental dam 1 and good accessibility to the treatment site are thus achieved.

[0046] As will be clear from FIG. 2 and from the associated explanations, no instruments are needed in principle to use the partial dental dam 1 according to the invention as shown in FIG. 1. Notwithstanding this, the actuation elements 3 can have openings (not shown) into which medical forceps can engage. With the aid of the forceps, the partial dental dam 1 can be tensioned and introduced into interdental spaces that are only accessible with difficulty in cases of purely manual handling.

[0047] FIG. 3 shows a second illustrative embodiment of a partial dental dam 1 according to the invention for shielding teeth to be treated, wherein FIG. 3b shows the partial dental dam 1 in the inserted state. The partial dental dam 1 shown in FIG. 3 corresponds in many aspects to that of FIG. 1, for which reason reference is made to the statements made there for explanatory purposes, and only the differences are discussed below.

[0048] In contrast to the tensioning cloth 2 of the partial dental dam from FIG. 1, the tensioning cloth 2 of the partial dental dam 1 from FIG. 3 has two webs 4, between which a free space 7 is provided through which an individual tooth can be guided. The webs 4 have a double T shape, wherein the side areas 5 of the two webs 4 merge into each other.

[0049] FIG. 3b shows the partial dental dam 1 in the inserted state, wherein the two webs 4 are introduced into a respective interdental space 11 and a tooth 10 is guided through the free space 7. The use of the partial dental dam from FIG. 3 is comparable to the use shown in FIG. 2, except that the partial dental dam 1 is not tilted for introduction into the interdental space 11, however (cf. FIGS. 2b and 2d).

[0050] In the illustrative embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 3, the partial dental dam 1 in each case is produced by injection molding from two-component silicones, for example from ELASTOSIL® LR 3040/45 A/B as per data sheet version 1.3 (material number 60082563) or ELASTOSIL® LR 3040/50 A/B as per data sheet version 1.17 (material number 60071686) from Wacker Chemie AG. However, it is also possible to use another material, for example a thermoplastic elastomer, or another production method, for example a multi-layer punching/bonding method.

[0051] FIG. 4 shows a third illustrative embodiment of a partial dental dam 1 according to the invention, wherein the partial dental dam 1 is shown in its untensioned state. As will be seen directly from FIG. 4, the partial dental dam 1 has a U-shaped cross section in the untensioned state shown.

[0052] As in the preceding illustrative embodiments too, the partial dental dam 1 comprises an elastically deformable tensioning cloth 2, which extends between two actuation elements 3. The tensioning cloth 2 comprises a web 4 which is configured in the shape of a double T, and of which the side areas 5 lying close to the actuation elements 3 are wider than the middle web 6 lying between them. At its narrowest point, the web 4, in the untensioned state, has a width of 5.5 mm and a thickness of 0.3 mm.

[0053] Two straps 8 extend parallel to the web 4, on both sides of the latter, and the two actuation elements 3 are additionally connected to each other by these straps 8. At their narrowest point, the straps 8 have a width of 1.5 mm, and they are formed in one piece with the tensioning cloth 2. The free space 7 resulting in each case between web 4 and strap 8 has an elliptic shape, wherein the greater half-axis is 2.5 mm and the smaller half-axis is 1.1 mm. By way of this design, in the first state of the partial dental dam 1 in which the actuation elements 3 are pulled apart from each other, teeth can be more easily guided through the free spaces 7, and web 4 and strap 8 are introduced into the interdental space. This is explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 5a-f.

[0054] In the untensioned state shown, the tensioning cloth 2, in order to form the U-shaped cross section, extends in a curved shape in such a way that the two actuation elements 3 are arranged in mirror-symmetry about a central mid-plane. The actuation elements 3 are formed in one piece with the tensioning cloth 2 and are therefore made of the same elastic material as the tensioning cloth 2. In order to achieve increased stiffness in the area of the actuation elements 3, the latter have, in parts, a greater thickness than the tensioning cloth 2.

[0055] The actuation elements 3 are U-shaped, wherein the respectively open end of the actuation elements 3 points to the tensioning cloth 2. On account of the curvature of the tensioning cloth 2, the branches of the U-shaped actuation elements 3 protrude beyond the tensioning cloth 2. In this area protruding beyond the tensioning cloth 2, the opposite branches of the actuation elements 3 are connected to each other by auxiliary straps 9, which are formed in one piece with the actuation elements 3 and are thus made of the same elastic material as the actuation elements 3 and the tensioning cloth 2. These elastically deformable auxiliary straps 9 further improve the fit of the partial dental dam 1 in the state of use. The auxiliary straps 9 are ca. 2 mm wide in the direction perpendicular to the tensioning cloth 2 and have a thickness of ca. 0.3 mm.

[0056] The partial dental dam 1 shown in FIG. 4 is produced in one piece by injection molding. The material of the partial dental dam 1 is the silicone rubber Addisil™ 1140M from the company Momentive™, which has a tear strength of 12 N/mm.sup.2 as per DIN 53504:2009-10, a Shore A hardness of 42 as per DIN 53505 and an elongation at break of 940% as per DIN 53504.

[0057] FIGS. 5a-f show the use of the partial dental dam 1 from FIG. 4. The web 4 of the partial dental dam 1 is in this case intended to be introduced into an interdental space 11 between two teeth 10, in order to shield this interdental space 11 from the rest of the oral cavity.

[0058] Proceeding from the starting state shown in FIG. 5a, the partial dental dam 1 is tensioned by pulling the actuation elements 3 apart in a tensioning direction 90 (cf. FIG. 5b), wherein in particular the tensioning cloth 2 with the web 4 and the straps 8 is elongated. The auxiliary straps 9 are also elongated. The resulting first state of the partial dental dam 1 is shown in FIG. 5c.

[0059] In the elongated first state, the web 4 can be easily introduced into the interdental space 11 on account of the associated deformation. The straps 8 and auxiliary straps 9 are at the same time introduced into the interdental spaces 12 adjacent to the interdental space 11 into which the web 4 is introduced. In other words, the teeth 10 forming the interdental space 11 are guided through the free spaces 7 in the tensioning cloth 2 of the partial dental dam 1.

[0060] Once web 6 and straps 8, 9 have been introduced into the corresponding interdental spaces 11, 12, the partial dental dam 2 is untensioned again (cf. FIG. 5d). By release of the tensioning force, the deformation of the tensioning cloth 2 reverses, and the web 4 bears sealingly on the interdental gingiva and on the approximal surfaces of the teeth 10. The desired shielding, for preventing the inflow of liquid, for example saliva or blood, is thus ensured.

[0061] Finally, the actuation elements 3 are pivoted in such a way (cf. FIG. 5e) that they bear on the teeth 10 and also on the surrounding gingiva (cf. FIG. 5f). Good stabilization of the partial dental dam 1 and good accessibility to the treatment site are thus achieved.

[0062] As will be clear from FIG. 5 and from the associated explanations, no instruments are again needed in principle to use the partial dental dam 1 according to the invention as shown in FIG. 4. Notwithstanding this, the actuation elements 3 can have openings (not shown) into which medical forceps can engage. With the aid of the forceps, the partial dental dam 1 can be tensioned and introduced into interdental spaces that are only accessible with difficulty in cases of purely manual handling.

[0063] FIG. 6 shows a further illustrative embodiment of a partial dental dam 1 according to the invention for shielding teeth to be treated. The partial dental dam 1 shown in FIG. 6 corresponds in many aspects to that of FIG. 4, for which reason reference is made to the statements made there for explanatory purposes, and only the differences are discussed below.

[0064] In contrast to the tensioning cloth 2 of the partial dental dam from FIG. 4, the tensioning cloth 2 of the partial dental dam 1 from FIG. 6 has two webs 4, between which a free space 7 is provided through which an individual tooth can be guided. The webs 4 have a double T shape, wherein the side areas 5 of the two webs 4 merge into each other. The free space 7 has an elliptic shape.

[0065] In contrast to the illustrative embodiment from FIG. 4, the partial dental dam 1 in FIG. 6 is provided only with auxiliary straps 9, not with straps 8.

[0066] However, straps 8 may of course also be provided in the partial dental dam 1 according to FIG. 6.

[0067] When using the partial dental dam 1 from FIG. 6, the webs 4 are introduced into two adjacent interdental spaces 11, while the auxiliary straps 9 are introduced into the interdental spaces 12 adjoining on both sides. The partial dental dam 1 is here produced by injection molding from the same material as that of FIG. 4.